Accounting Degrees in Arizona

Introduction

Arizona is home to a robust economy that has fueled massive growth, and the state is adding jobs, residents, and overall income faster than the national average. The financial sector is at the forefront of this economic boom, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Projections Central forecasts Arizona’s accounting and auditing jobs to grow by 19.2% from 2016 to 2026—almost triple the national average. The state is home to more than 1,000 CPA firms, so finance professionals should have no trouble finding work. The buzz around Arizona’s economy is strong, and the state is expected to remain a strong job creator in the future, with an overall projected employment growth rate more than twice the national average.

Arizona at a glance

Population

7,016,270

Per Capita Income

$25,715

Unemployment Rate

4.7%

Fortune 500 Companies

4

Licensed CPA Firms

1,108

Accounting Programs in Arizona

Search our comprehensive school directory to explore the accounting programs in Arizona, including campus-based, online and hybrid programs.

schools match your search

School

Degree Levels

State

Accounting Salaries and Employment

The average annual salary for Arizona CPAs is $69,000 which is somewhat below the national average of $74,000. Nearly 37% of Arizona CPAs are employed by accounting and tax firms; 11% work specifically in the investment and financial industry. The remaining majority of accountants work in diverse public and private sectors requiring their own in-house financial experts.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that through 2022 the demand for CPAs in Arizona will outpace the national average by nearly double. The BLS anticipates an increase in 4,500 positions and an even greater demand for replacements due to attrition.

Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in Arizona

In order to become a CPA in Arizona, individuals must meet all of the criteria established by the State Board of Accountancy. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher that includes no less than 150 course hours of study 36 of which must be completed in accounting coursework.

Candidates may sit for the four part CPA exam any time after completing their education requirements. Aside from passing all sections of the exam, candidates must complete at least 2,000 hours of paid or unpaid experience before or after passing the exam.

Before a license is issued applicants must also have passed a professional ethics exam with a score of 90% or better within two years of seeking certification. The State Board of Accountancy issues reciprocal certificates to license holders from states that are considered substantially equivalent.

CPA exam fees in Arizona

Total:$932

Application Fee$100

Auditing & Attestation$208

Financial Accounting & Reporting$208

Regulation$208

Business Environment & Concepts$208

Candidates have a total of 18 months to pass all sections of the exam after their initial attempt. Candidates may reapply to retake a section of the exam only after their previous attempt has been scored. A $50 application fee is required each time applicants sit for one or more sections of the exam.

Certifying and Professional Organizations

The Arizona State Board of Accountancy is the agency responsible for the certification and licensing CPA throughout the state.

The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants, ASCPA. is a professional membership organization representing more than 6,000 CPAs across the state. It is the largest association of CPAs in the state. The society has provided Arizona CPAs with leadership, representation and education opportunities for more than 75 years.